accessibility

Introduction

Accessibility is well known as a requirement for parking, pathways, bathrooms, buildings, and programs. What is lesser known is the benefit accessible design provides to all citizens. The following addresses going beyond the minimum requirements for accessibility to create an inclusive and welcoming community that provides for the current and future needs of its citizens.

This year, the Town of Exeter became the first Town and the second municipality (after the City of Concord) in the State of New Hampshire to offer fully accessible voting to voters with vision impairments. It was a great success! Using the OmniBallot tablet, an accessible polling place ballot marking device, all voters were able to vote privately and independently for the first time in a town and school election. Voters used a tablet, keyboard, mouse, and headset to listen to the town warrant articles, navigate through the questions, and make their selections.

The information contained in this article is not intended as legal advice and may no longer be accurate due to changes in the law. Consult NHMA's legal services or your municipal attorney.